New York Times Editorial, "The Vatican and the Palestinians": Wearing Its Hatred of Israel on Its Sleeve

"I think this is something that is going to happen. We have to look at it realistically: in the end there will be a Palestinian state. I see things firstly from our own perspective. I don't think we should be ruling over another people and running its life. I don't think we have the strength for that. It is too heavy a burden on our people, and it gives rise to serious moral problems and serious economic problems."

- Ariel Sharon, Haaretz interview, April 2003

In an editorial entitled "The Vatican and the Palestinians," The New York Times comments on a treaty signed on Wednesday by the Vatican, which officially recognizes the state of Palestine. The Times begins by declaring:

"The practical effect of the Vatican’s decision to sign a treaty recognizing the state of Palestine is debatable, but it is a symbolic victory for Palestinians who are struggling to keep alive their dream of a Palestinian state, which has been thwarted by the Israeli government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu."

The "dream of a Palestinian state . . . has been thwarted by the Israeli government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu"? Well, I also believe in the establishment of a Palestinian state, which I hope will live in peace and prosperity beside Israel. However, I am also cognizant of the covenant of Hamas, the governing body of Gaza, which calls for the murder of all Jews, not just Israelis. I have also not forgotten the some four thousand missiles fired from Gaza at Israeli towns and cities last summer.

And then there is the fact that Palestinian Authority President Abbas refused Israeli Prime Minister Olmert's 2008 peace offer, providing the Palestinians with an independent state along the 1967 lines together with agreed upon land swaps and Palestinian control of east Jerusalem. One year later, after Netanyahu declared a 10-month settlement freeze "to restart peace talks" at the request of Obama, Abbas delayed entering negotiations until the last moment and then walked away from the discussions.

Moreover, although the Times is enchanted by the Vatican's recognition of a Palestinian state, nowhere is there mention by the Times that Abbas refuses to recognize Israel as a Jewish state. Why should there be a Palestinian state, but not a Jewish state?

The dream of a Palestinian state is being thwarted by Netanyahu and not by the Palestinians? I don't think so.

The Times editorial observes:

"On the eve of the March 17 elections, Mr. Netanyahu said flat out that no Palestinian state would be established during his tenure, and while he later softened his position, the possibility of any serious negotiating initiative seems dead."

True. But it was Menachem Begin from the Likud who evacuated Sinai and signed a peace treaty with Egypt. And it was Ariel Sharon, known for much of his political life - mostly in the Likud - as a hardliner, who stated his support for a Palestinian state and evacuated Gaza.

Yes, Netanyahu is a political animal, wanted to be reelected in March, and is more than capable of contradicting himself. But if and when the time comes and the Palestinians are willing to recognize Israel as a Jewish state with the 1967 lines (taking land swaps into account), a Palestinian state will indeed arise.

Meanwhile, however, missiles fired at Israeli civilians and attack tunnels leading into Israeli agricultural communities on the border with Gaza don't help.

Yes, the Times wears its hatred for Israel on its sleeve.